PostgreSQL

PostgreSQL Elephant Logo

36.7. character_sets

The view character_sets identifies the character sets available in the current database. Since PostgreSQL does not support multiple character sets within one database, this view only shows one, which is the database encoding.

Take note of how the following terms are used in the SQL standard:

character repertoire

An abstract collection of characters, for example UNICODE, UCS, or LATIN1. Not exposed as an SQL object, but visible in this view.

character encoding form

An encoding of some character repertoire. Most older character repertoires only use one encoding form, and so there are no separate names for them (e.g., LATIN1 is an encoding form applicable to the LATIN1 repertoire). But for example Unicode has the encoding forms UTF8, UTF16, etc. (not all supported by PostgreSQL). Encoding forms are not exposed as an SQL object, but are visible in this view.

character set

A named SQL object that identifies a character repertoire, a character encoding, and a default collation. A predefined character set would typically have the same name as an encoding form, but users could define other names. For example, the character set UTF8 would typically identify the character repertoire UCS, encoding form UTF8, and some default collation.

You can think of an “[.quote]#encoding”# in PostgreSQL either as a character set or a character encoding form. They will have the same name, and there can only be one in one database.

Table 36.5. character_sets Columns

Name Data Type Description

character_set_catalog

sql_identifier

Character sets are currently not implemented as schema objects, so this column is null.

character_set_schema

sql_identifier

Character sets are currently not implemented as schema objects, so this column is null.

character_set_name

sql_identifier

Name of the character set, currently implemented as showing the name of the database encoding

character_repertoire

sql_identifier

Character repertoire, showing UCS if the encoding is UTF8, else just the encoding name

form_of_use

sql_identifier

Character encoding form, same as the database encoding

default_collate_catalog

sql_identifier

Name of the database containing the default collation (always the current database, if any collation is identified)

default_collate_schema

sql_identifier

Name of the schema containing the default collation

default_collate_name

sql_identifier

Name of the default collation. The default collation is identified as the collation that matches the COLLATE and CTYPE settings of the current database. If there is no such collation, then this column and the associated schema and catalog columns are null.

 
+
Prev Up Next

36.6. attributes

Home

36.8. check_constraint_routine_usage

Submit correction

If you see anything in the documentation that is not correct, does not match your experience with the particular feature or requires further clarification, please use this form to report a documentation issue.

Privacy Policy | Code of Conduct | About PostgreSQL | Contact

Copyright © 1996-2023 The PostgreSQL Global Development Group